Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Characteristics of Nonfiction

For Teachers 1st - 2nd Standards
The second lesson in a series from ReadWorks.org, this lesson continues to explore the difference between fiction and nonfiction texts. The lesson opens with the teacher reviewing a class Venn diagram started in the last lesson....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mixed Bags: Fiction and Nonfiction

For Teachers K - 1st
The second in a series of three lessons from Scholastic comparing and contrasting fiction and nonfiction, this activity requires learners to read, write, and compare two books independently. After briefly reviewing the features of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

An Introduction to Nonfiction

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Examine the elements of nonfiction writings in this lesson. Learners list common features of nonfiction and compare nonfiction and fiction books on the same topic. Create a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting the two genres.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What's Special About Nonfiction?

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students examine the difference between nonfiction and fictional writing. They identify the characteristics of nonfiction literature and examine how a nonfiction textbook organizes information.
Lesson Plan
EngageNY

Determining Main Idea Using Text and Illustrations: Accessing Books Around the World

For Teachers 3rd Standards
Ease into informational text with the lesson suggested here. Part of a unit series, the lesson draws from previous lessons and acts as a natural moment to add in informational text. Class members read one section of My Librarian is a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Discovering Saturn, The Real "Lord of the Rings"

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Reading, writing, and rings! A instructional activity from NASA combines space science with authentic reading and writing tasks. Included in this instructional activity are pre-reading activities, four mini informational...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

My Community Book

For Teachers K - 3rd
Young learners examine different places in their neighborhood using informational texts. First they identify a place that they like to play and predict if it will be in the nonfiction book Community at Play.They will share their favorite...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Learning Network: Poetry Pairing July, 21, 2011

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Although not a complete lesson plan, this set of emotionally powerful texts could be used in a variety of lessons. From The New York Times' Learning Network site, the resource includes a poem, an excerpt from a New York Times article and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Blending Fiction and Nonfiction to Improve Comprehension and Writing Skills

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore a content area by reading both fiction and nonfiction texts on the topic. They do more research online about the topic. After comparing the texts, they create their own written original work, using both narrative and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Jane Goodall, Renowned Naturalist and Champion of Chimpanzees

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Students study the life of Jane Goodall and how she made an impact studying chimpanzees.  In this endangered species instructional activity students write in their journals.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Do You See at the Pond?

For Teachers K - 2nd
With What Do You See at the Pond?, young readers explore pond life and practice reading strategies. Learners first make predictions and then read the simple story independently. After a second read-through with a partner, kids come...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

If These Walls Could Talk: Seeing a Culture Through Human Features

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students read Talking Walls and discuss the walls presented and their importance to the culture. In this geography instructional activity, students locate and label each country/continent discussed in the book on a world map. Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Adolescent Obesity and Susceptibility to Disease

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Young scholars understand the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and good health.  In this health instructional activity students read text then create their own pamphlet on the cardiovascular system, weight gain, treatments...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Natural Disasters: An Adventure in Non-Fiction

For Teachers 1st - 4th
Students study different natural disasters.  In this natural disaster lesson students read a nonfiction book followed by a discussion, an experiment,  then collect illustrations from their experience.